Debating as a Mean to Apprehend World Issues Differently

Whether we think about it or not, we often debate among family or friends on issues (social, political and/or economic) that directly or indirectly concern us. To assert our point of view is a difficult task but it is a necessary action if we want to understand the world we live in and express our ideas and points of view.
To debate involves great listening as well as oral capacities and it requires time and patience. But even though some people may have an innate talent for it, it is still possible to acquire these skills no matter how shy you may be.
That's why some American high school students learn the basics of debating in real debate teams in the course of their high school experience. But what does a debate team consist of and how is this extra-curricular activity truly enriching ?

First, to debate involves the student's ability to gather information about specific issues and to take a definite and clear position on raised questions. In fact, it is the student's responsibility to know as much as possible on the topic so as to be prepared for one of the most difficult parts of debate, that is... taking sides.

Indeed, at the start of the debate, the mediator informs the two parties of the position they will respectively defend, whether they agree with it or not. That means that the "debator" has to thoroughly know the topic in order to defend his position against his opponent's arguments. Topics can be as varied and controversial as: abortion, the death penalty, states at war, homosexuality, discrimination, police brutality or the problem of overweight ! A selection of issues are given to the debate team coach ahead of all competitions. Even if the debator's personal beliefs do not match the position he is assigned for, there is nothing he can do but throw himself into the arena and withstand hostility like a gladiator ! The reason for this specific rule lies in the fact that relativism is one of the keys to open-mindedness and understanding.

Debates commonly involve a team of four or five members. Each member is responsible for his personal debate, meaning that he may receive tips and counseling from his coach before the debate starts but not while it is taking place. Of course, his teammates' clamor, appraisal and encouragement provide him with most appreciated support. As is common in the U.S., high school competitions (on a district, regional and state level) often take place so as to make sure that debators from one school get a chance to meet their pairs in other schools. Debate tournaments usually take place once every two month, allowing the contestants to prepare their strategies.

Once the championship starts, each debate is considered like a round in a boxing match ! The first debate constitutes the first round and there are as many debates as there are contestants. Everyone shall at least debate once. And the winners are those who convinced the jury in most of the debates. The jury is made out of teachers as well as students who have also studied each issue before the tournament.
Their criteria for judgment are:

speaking skills and eloquence

convincing arguments through statistical

factual or legal evidence and charisma.

Therefore, debating is truly an intellectual as well as (quite) physical activity that allows youngsters to get involved and acquire knowledge on the world's global issues. It encourages their ability to raise their voice and to inform those who are less aware. Last but not least, it is also a great way to meet new people and to talk for hours with them !!!

Mouna D. Lobé, professeur d'Anglais, mars 2007.